Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya, after the capital city, Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa.
Kisumu is derived from the Dholuo word sumo, which means to barter trade.
The city started as a trading centre for communities living around Nam Lolwe (Lake Victoria) region.
What is Kisumu Best Known For?
The city is best known for being the cleanest city in Kenya and the home of the best fish delicacies, the staple food of the Luo, the majority tribe in the region.
Kisumu County (Area code 042)
Kisumu is the capital city of Kisumu county, county number 042, one of the 47 counties in Kenya.
The website for the county government is kisumu.go.ke.
Sub-Counties in Kisumu
Kisumu county has seven sub-counties: Kisumu East, Kisumu Central, Kisumu West, Muhoroni, Nyando, Nyakach and Seme.
Constituencies in Kisumu
Similar to sub-counties, Kisumu has seven constituencies.
| Constituency | Area MP | Party |
| Nyando | Hon. Okello Jared Odoyo | ODM |
| Muhoroni | Hon. James Onyango Oyoo | ODM |
| Seme | Hon James Wamburu Nyikal | ODM |
| Kisumu East | Hon. Shakeel Ahmed Shabbir Ahmed | Independent |
| Kisumu West | Hon. Rozaah Akinyi Buyu | ODM |
| Kisumu Central | Hon. Joshua Oron | ODM |
| Nyakach | Hon. Joshua Aduma Owuor | ODM |
Wards in Kisumu
The seven sub-counties/constituencies are further broken down into 35 wards.
The complete list of wards in Kisumu:
| Sub-County | Ward | Ward Representative |
| Kisumu East | Kajuklu | Hon. Adega Benson |
| Kolwa East | Hon. Rakwach Reuben | |
| Manyatta ‘B’ | Hon. Nereah Akoth Okombo | |
| Nyalenda ‘A’ | Hon. Boitone Ratib | |
| Kolwa Central | Hon. Okoth Kevin | |
| Kisumu Central | Railways | Hon. Omollo Samuel |
| Migosi | Hon. Oyoo Pamela | |
| Shaurimoyo Kaloleni | Hon. Odhiambo Caren | |
| Market Milimani | Hon. Warindo Geofrey | |
| Kondele | Hon. Joakim Oketch | |
| Nyalenda ‘B’ | Hon. Were James | |
| Kisumu Wast | South West Kisumu | Hon. Obongo Jennipher Akeyo |
| Central Kisumu | Hon. Okoyo Zacharia | |
| Kisumu North | Hon Pedeh Samuel | |
| West Kisumu | Hon. Ouko Kennedy | |
| North West Kisumu | Hon Vincent Jagongo | |
| Seme | West Seme | Hon. Othuthu George Abuya |
| Central Seme | Hon. Biko Mildred | |
| East Seme | Hon. Seth Akumu | |
| North Seme | Hon. Omuya Millicent | |
| Nyando | East Kano/Wawidhi | Hon Ochele Moses Odhiambo |
| Awasi/Onjiko | Hon. Maurice Ngeta | |
| Ahero | Hon. Kennedy Ooko | |
| Kabonyo/Kanyagwal | Hon. Oiko Pete | |
| Kobura | Hon. Bil Oduor | |
| Muhoroni | Miwani | Hon. Warindo Geoffrey |
| Ombeyi | Hon. Onditi Tom | |
| Masogo/Nyang’oma | Hon. Habil Nyasuna | |
| Muhoroni/Koru | Hon. Kamodho Vitalis Oiewo | |
| Chemelil | Hon Odari Fredrick | |
| Nyakach | South East Nyakach | Hon. Owade Fredrick Lumumba |
| West Nyakach | Hon. Omollo James | |
| North Nyakach | Hon. Nyaoke Tom | |
| Central Nyakach | Hon. Obuya Vincent | |
| South West Nyakach | Hon. Gard Olima |
Kisumu City
Kisumu was declared a city in 2000 by the then president, the late Daniel Torotich Arap Moi, during the celebrations of 100 years of the town's existence.
For a short stint (1901-1902), the city was called Port Florence after the wife of the engineer who oversaw the building of the Nairobi-Kisumu railway line. This is after she drove the last nail in the last steeper by the shores of Nam Lolwe.
Estates in Kisumu,
The vibrant city has many estates that host an ever-growing number of residents.
The Estates include: Milimani, Riat, Nyamasaria, Nyalenda, Obunga, Kondele, Manyatta, Kenya Re, Dunga, Kaloleni, Lolwe, Kibos, Arina, Tom Mboya, Poly View, Ogango, Migosi, Mamboleo and Bandani.
Check out a detailed breakdown of the best estates in Kisumu, including the type of houses, cost of land, rent etc.
Kisumu Population
According to a 2019 report by KNBS(Kenya Bureau of Statistics), Kisumu county has a population of 1,1555,574.
Kisumu metropolitan itself has a total population of 397,957.
Malls in Kisumu
Kisumu is home to several Malls and shopping centres that serve a wide range of interests and budgets. The United Mall Kisumu is the busiest, offering some of the best supermarkets, pharmacies, and bookshops. The Largest shopping mall is Kisumu Megacity Mall, which features a children's park, cinema hall, supermarkets and clothing stores.,
Check out a list of the best malls in Kisumu; the facilities and shops available, parking space status, the location and reviews.
Supermarkets in Kisumu
Yes, Kisumu has all your favourite supermarkets open and eager to serve you.
The most frequently visited supermarkets In Kisumu are Naivas, Khetias, Quickmart, and Carrefour.
For a complete list of the best supermarkets in Kisumu, the branch locations, the fundamentals sold and a general review, check out the best supermarkets in Kisumu.
Kisumu Airport
Kisumu Airport is one of Kenya's five international airports, including JKIA(Nairobi), Moi International Airport (Mombasa), Eldoret International Airport, and Malindi International Airport.
It is the only Airport in Kisumu and serves the people of Western Kenya ( formerly Western and Nyanza provinces).
Kenya Airways, the flag carrier airline of Kenya, and most domestic lines like Jambo Jet, FLy 540, 748 and Renegade, fly the Kisumu route.
Are you planning on flying to and from Kisumu soon?
Discover cheap flights to Kisumu.
Must-visit places in Kisumu
Kisumu is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, with tons of things to see and do. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Talk about the scenic views at Dunga Hill camp at sunset to the hiking and climbing spots like Kit Mikayi. The list is endless.
The expert local guides have provided tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip. Discover the hidden gems in Kisumu. You can’t afford to ignore this.
Hotels in Kisumu
Access a wide range of hotels that suits your budget and taste.
From luxury five-star hotels to affordable and convenient hotels, there is something for everyone in the city of Kisumu.
Learn about the best hotels in Kisumu, their location, availability and what to expect.
Restaurants in Kisumu
Is it true that fish from the lake has a unique taste?
Yes, it is true.
But where can I enjoy the highly regarded tasty fish?
How about Kosewe, Kalongolongo, and Dunga Hill Camp, just to mention a few?
Learn about the best restaurants in Kisumu, the best places to dig into sumptuous affordable food, and restaurants the love birds can visit for a romantic dinner date.
Best Clothing Shops in Kisumu
Carried the wrong types of clothes or are in town and need to do some quick apparel shopping?
You are in luck. Kisumu has outlets for some of the best clothing stores in the country.
Get some clothes and live life. Kisumu tells no tales.
Clubs in Kisumu
The clubs in Kisumu are wild and fun. Clubs are the hotspots for residents to link up and unwind. The nightclubs are a must-go if you want to interact with the locals and immerse yourself in the rich culture.
Get to know the best clubs in Kisumu including Club Da Place and Black Pearl.
Hospitals in Kisumu
Health is critical as it impacts our overall quality of life. Therefore, you should get the best care whenever you are ill or need medical advice.
Kisumu city has some of the best hospitals in the region that provide medical care to the residents.
The hospitals offer a wide range of treatments, from specialised treatments, such as Kisumu Heart Center and Kisumu Specialist Hospital, to general hospitals like Agakhan Hospital, Kisumu District Hospital and Russia Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Colleges and Universities in Kisumu
Kisumu is an educational hub hosting some of the best universities and colleges.
Maseno University, Nairobi University Kisumu campus, Kenyatta University Kisumu campus, Great Lakes University of Kenya, Riat Colledge, and Kisumu Polytechnicare just some of the top institutions in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What language is spoken in Kisumu?
Kisumu is a cosmopolitan city with people speaking diverse languages, including English, Swahili, Ekegusi, Luhya, Indian languages and Dholuo. However, the dominant language is Dholuo, spoken by the Luo People.
How many towns are in Kisumu?
Five. Ahero, Maseno, Muhoroni, Katito and Sondu.
What is Kisumu best known for?
Tasty fish, hospitable people and the cleanest city in Kenya.
Is it safe to travel to Kisumu?
Of course! Kisumu people are friendly and warm. It is a must-visit place with a rich history and vibrant culture.
What is the meaning of Kisumu?
Kisumu is derived from the term sumo, which means to barter goods/trade.
When was Kisumu named a city?
In the year 2000, during its 100th year of existence celebration.
Where do rich people live in Kisumu?
Milimani and Riat Hills.
How far is Ahero from Kisumu?
Around 25 Km. A thirty minutes drive from the city’s CBD.
Is Kisumu Hot or cold?
The temperature is usually warm to hot throughout the year. The average temperature is 24 degrees Celsius, with minimums of 17 degrees celsius and maximums of 31 degrees Celsius.